CounterParts: Live Again in Elkins Park
DateLine: April 12, 2025
It is very hard at this moment to begin writing about CounterParts’ April 12th Show without drawing a comparison between the evening of April 12th, 2025 and the night of April 13th, 2024. I can dismiss the multi-colored T-chart in my head. That is the obvious First Step. Secondly, I know that both were simply a moment in time, but the contrasts are so clear.
April 13th, We prepared way too many songs to squeeze into two 50 minute sets. This was compounded by the fact that the intermission lasted longer than I had hoped.
In spite of a 15 minute delay on the 12th of April of this year and a perfectly timed intermission, We had exactly the number of songs we needed for the performance! We were finally able to play Lenore, by Chick Corea, on the 12th; A goal I had abandoned in 2024.
April 13th, we managed 7 rehearsals, plus two sectionals; one with myself and Dave Renz to work out melodies, and another impromptu rehearsal with Jack, the bass player, to work out some forms and feels.
Our individual schedules allowed for only 4 rehearsals in preparation for the 12th.
April 13th, I spent a lot of money and time promoting the show.
April 12th, time was limited, so I recycled the Concert Posters from last year and canvassed the area with flyers, like the year before.
April 2024, the performance was so good, I produced a Full Concert Video, available now on this website.
April 2025, Liza Chen came to shoot photos during the show and printed 60 shots with 113 variations in color, B/W, and sepia tones.
In 2024, the songs were carefully arranged, producing a many-faceted vibe bouncing from pop to rock, funky and Latin, Smooth and Be-Bop.
In 2025, the arrangements were more open, styles more traditional, with loose improvisations.
What does this all mean?
I guess this is where the real article starts.
I love writing songs with no constraints, only frames to guide my thinking. During my writing process, songs take on a life of their own. I try to follow the lead of the idea as it develops, so there is no telling where that song is going to end up. I value the right to compose music in any style that fits the vibe of the composition. When I encourage the input of the band members, you can’t imagine the delightful surprises that evolve with time. The next Show will be a Funk-Rock Show, creating another clear direction in the Evolutionary Jazz Concept. April 13th, 2025 was the introduction of many compositions that I dare not categorize at all. The show on the 12th of this year leaned into the traditional styles of jazz as we know it.
The Band; Jack, Renz, and the Mohnster, are pumped to play again! And again, and again, and again!
